2018 Acura MDX vs. 2018 Audi Q7: Head to Head

MDX vs. Q7: Which 3-Row Luxury SUV Is Best for You?

If you’re in the market for a 3-row luxury SUV, there are a handful of refined, upscale options. The Audi Q7 and Acura MDX have been in this segment for nearly the longest time of any competitor. They have high-quality interiors and seating for up to seven passengers.

The 2018 Acura MDX and 2018 Audi Q7 are both a year removed from 2017 model year updates. The MDX was refreshed, while the Q7 was completely redesigned. Each receive some new features and technology for 2018, but which one is best?

We’ve put these two luxury SUVs head to head in the categories new car buyers care about most, using U.S. News scoring to decide each category.

Keep in mind that the scores on our site are updated constantly as new expert reviews and data become available. Therefore, the scores mentioned in this slideshow may not match the scores in our reviews.

Read on to learn which 3-row luxury SUV wins out, according to U.S. News & World Report scores.

Price

Winner: 2018 Acura MDX

The 2018 Acura MDX has a starting price of $44,200. An all-wheel-drive model starts at $46,200, and the range-topping all-wheel-drive model with the Entertainment Package has a starting price of $56,650.

With a starting price of $49,900, the 2018 Audi Q7 has an MSRP that’s $4,700 more than the MDX’s, though it also comes standard with all-wheel drive. The midlevel Premium Plus trim starts at $53,900, while the top-of-the-line Prestige starts at $65,400.

Seat Comfort

Winner: Tie

Both vehicles have three rows of seating, with capacity for up to seven people. The Q7 (pictured bottom) comes standard with a second-row bench, and both first and second rows are quite comfortable. The Q7 also comes standard with leather seating and heated front seats.

The Acura MDX (pictured top) also comes with seating for seven, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Both vehicles share the same trait – the first two rows are comfortable for adults, but the third row is better left for children, especially on long trips.

Cargo Space

Winner: 2018 Audi Q7

The Q7 provides 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which can be folded down, opening up 37.5 cubic feet. Folding down both the second and third rows provides up to 71.6 cubic feet. The Q7 comes standard with a power liftgate and is available with a hands-free power liftgate.

Total cargo space for the MDX is less than that of the Q7, but only slightly. Behind the rear seat, you get 14.9 cubic feet, and you get 38.4 with the rear seat folded. Max cargo capacity with both rear benches folded down is 68.4 cubic feet, and the MDX comes standard with a power liftgate.

Interior Quality

Winner: 2018 Audi Q7

The MDX has plenty of premium interior materials and boasts a generally high-quality cabin. However, it is not up to par with the Q7, which uses even nicer materials and has a world-class interior design. Touches like the available Nougat Brown leather help push the Q7 over the top.

Interior Features

Winner: 2018 Audi Q7

The Q7 comes standard with Audi’s MMI infotainment system, which employs a large 7-inch display and a rotary dial. It also comes standard with three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and push-button start, as well as a 10-speaker audio system, dual USB ports, and Bluetooth.

The MDX features a dual-screen setup, with an 8-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen. This is complemented by three-zone climate control, USB ports, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Both vehicles feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring enhanced connectivity with your preferred smartphone.

The Audi Q7 takes this category because the Acura MDX’s infotainment system requires a bit of a learning curve. Its two-screen setup is easy-to-use, but only after you’ve mastered it. The Q7’s infotainment screen is more intuitive.

Acceleration

Winner: 2018 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 252 horsepower. The Q7 is available with a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 333 horsepower. The V6 is enthusiastic and provides a higher towing capacity, but the 2.0-liter engine will be perfectly fine in most driving scenarios.

The Acura MDX only has one engine option – a 3.5-liter V6 making 290 horsepower. This provides plenty of power, but its nine-speed automatic transmission could use some more refinement.

Fuel Economy

Winner: 2018 Acura MDX

EPA fuel economy estimates for the MDX are 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 combined. The all-wheel-drive model of the MDX returns fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 combined.

The Audi Q7’s base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four returns fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway, and 21 combined. Fuel economy for the V6 is the same.

Ride and Handling

Winner: 2018 Audi Q7

The Q7 comes standard with Audi’s capable Quattro all-wheel drive system. The Q7’s Drive Select feature has Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, and Off-Road settings, while the available air suspension and all-wheel steering ensure composed handling, especially for a vehicle of the Q7’s size.

Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is quite capable, and the MDX also provides drive modes, as well as an Integrated Dynamics System with adjustable steering. Handling is impressive, but the MDX lacks the overall composure (and chassis upgrades) of the Q7.

Safety

Winner: 2018 Acura MDX

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing, both vehicles have an overall score of Good in all phases of testing. The 2018 MDX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, while the 2018 Q7 is not because of a Marginal headlight rating.

Both vehicles earn a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Diving deeper, the MDX earns five stars in frontal and side crash tests. The Q7 earns five stars for just side crash testing, and only four in frontal crash testing. Both earn four stars in rollover testing.

Reliability

Winner: 2018 Acura MDX

2018 J.D. Power reliability data is not yet available for either vehicle, but they are both largely carryover vehicles from 2017. The 2017 MDX and Q7 both earn 2.5 out of five, which is slightly below average.

Both vehicles have a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. The Q7’s powertrain warranty covers the same span, while the MDX has a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving it the win.

The Winner Is …

2018 Audi Q7

These two 3-row SUVs are pretty evenly matched. They are both comfortable and offer identical (below-average) reliability ratings.

However, the Q7 has the edge when it comes to interior quality, intuitive tech features, cargo space, acceleration, and handling. It is the better all-around luxury vehicle, offering a noticeably more upscale feel.

If practical considerations like a low price, a long warranty, top safety scores, and good fuel economy are must-haves for you, then the MDX is the better pick. However, if you want the more luxurious vehicle, the Q7 is the best choice.